Pheoris West

Early Life Pheoris West was born August 17, 1950 in Albany, New York to the parents James West Sr. and Mary West (McDowell). With a passion for art early on, Pheoris started drawing at 4 years old. He would see his brothers, Father and Aunts draw, usually stick figures but in various styles. When he was a little older, he as well as some of his siblings, would draw pictures, create dioramas and perform for the children in the neighborhood. In his elementary school, P.S. 20, he began to be the “go-to” student, helping his teachers paint murals and posters in the hallways and classrooms. Pheoris was also a curious child, always wanting to know about things around him. By the time he entered the 4th grade, he was admitted to an A.T. (Academically Talented) program, after having mandatory testing for everyone in the area. He was one out of 100 students chosen in the city among 5 different schools. In High School, Pheoris was involved in many sports, ranging from wrestling to Track and Field. He received 5 letters on his letterman jacket, which was a major achievement in sports for his class. He set records for the long Jump regionally and for the state of New York that still exist today. Pheoris remained one of the best athletes in the area. His concentration in high school was sports, academics, and art. However, it was at this time, his artwork progressed immensely. The more he was exposed to various types of art, the more he wanted to experience all aspects of art. After his father gave him his first paint set, he began practicing and self-teaching with oil paint. His first accomplished oil painting, "The Black Magician", was inspired around this time, after playing around with different techniques in this medium. College Years Within the year of 1970, Pheoris West attended Brockport University in Brockport, New York. He initially studied law and even passed the bar exam, just to challenge himself. A year later, he moved on to study at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where he earned a Professional Certificate and was awarded a travelling scholarship throughout Europe. Pheoris began exhibiting his artwork throughout his college years and immediately became recognized for his unique talents, spiritual expression and use of color. Mr. West won the Popular Prize in the “Young Gifted and Black” exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum. He was very instrumental advocating for Black artists to exhibit and helped bring this show to fruition. One of his major series, “Street Life” began during these years in Philadelphia, only to be one of several classic works to come. After the Academy, in 1974 he moved to New Haven Connecticut, upon receiving a Teaching Fellowship at Yale University. There he obtained a Masters of Fine Arts/ PhD degree. “Night Life” was another major series of artworks Pheoris created at this time, inspired by his experiences as a young, black man in the world. West traveled to Accra, Ghana through a scholarship program and continued to earn numerous scholarships and awards throughout his academic career. Career Pheoris' 4th major series of artwork began in 1975, calling it, “Ghana”, obviously inspired by his life-changing experiences in Accra and many other cities and small towns in Ghana. In 1976, he moved to Columbus, Ohio after accepting a position as an Associate Professor in the Department of Art at The Ohio State University. During his tenure, Pheoris earned a number of grants, which gave him the opportunity to exhibit in many national and international shows and museums. Some of his works have been seen in Zimbabwe, Togo, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan and Brazil, to name a few. West is described by many of his students and colleagues, as a gentle and spiritual teacher. Professor West discovered the definition of what he considered teaching to be-a shared experience. He learned that the teaching experience extends beyond the formal arrangement of the classroom and incorporates life lessons and analogies to the myriad of universal applications. The basis of his teaching conveyed the exploration of visual language with energy and intelligence. Pheoris also thought his use of color was like a sense of therapy. He felt that the colors he chose had magic in them and thought himself as an alchemist. He used color to affect people. Art is a way of creating life, and that art comes from a passion to create, which artists are blessed with. Africentricity is what explains West's structure of art work while not neglecting the important aspect of making art. His most common subjects were the black woman. He considers her a symbol for mother earth, the cradle of humanity. Pheoris West retired from The Ohio State University, with an emeritus status in 2012. During his retirement, and later years, Mr. West continued art making, teaching, lecturing, and playing golf as his favorite pastime. Many artists and colleagues considered Pheoris a genius with unique vision unlike others. Later Years In March of 2016, West suffered a debilitating stroke, altering his life tremendously. While being cared for at home by his family for 5 years, Pheoris managed to stay active to a degree, exhibiting strength, courage, and determination to improve his condition. In spite of his lack of movement and inability to speak clearly, he continued communicating his vast wisdom, knowledge and keen sense of humor. His presence remained abundant and his unique spirit helped tolerate the anguish he experienced due to his condition. Pheoris West transitioned to the ancestral world on January 23, 2021, leaving us a rich legacy that transcends time through his passion for excellence in all endeavors. With his many gifts and talents, he educated thousands of students, numerous colleagues, not only in art, but in life lessons. *Preceded in death by his Father James West, brother John West, and son Adwin West. He is survived by his wife, Michele Hoff West; children, Jahlani, Pheannah, and Adji West; mother, Mary McDowell; brother, James West; sisters, Cirecie Olatunji, and Constance West; grandchildren, Adjyannah West, Keenan and Kohen West, Kadin West, Jasiah Gresham; and number of cousins, Aunts, Uncles, nieces, and nephews. A Note of Thanks The family of Pheoris West would like to express our sincere appreciation to our loved ones for your prayers, visits, support, contributions and generosity during the passing of our beloved husband and father. Our special thanks are also extended to Pastor Jermaine Covington and the St. John A.M.E. Church family.